OTTAWA – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early.

A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. Low income women and women with no insurance die from breast and cervical cancer more often than other women. These high mortality rates are attributed in part to the fact that these women generally do not receive regular mammograms and Pap Smears. As a result, cancers are diagnosed at later stages when it is more difficult to treat and the chances for survival are less. 

LaSalle County Health Department, through their Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program grant, can pay for mammograms and pap smears for women who qualify. Women may qualify for breast and cervical cancer screenings if they are between the ages of 21-64 and reside in LaSalle or Grundy county. Through IBCCP, LaSalle County Health Department is working to increase breast and cervical cancer awareness and break the cycle of late stage treatment. IBCCP provides FREE mammograms and Pap Smears for women who qualify and assistance with paying the deductible for those who are insured. Take advantage of this opportunity for early detection.

For those women who do not qualify for the IBCCP program or have related charges not covered by the IBCCP grant, there are a limited amount of community donated funds to assist with those services. To support this endeavor, LCHD will sell Breast Cancer Quilt raffle tickets at the front desk and at local health fairs they are attending. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held on Dec. 2; need not be present to win. Call (815) 433-3366 for further information on how to receive a free mammogram and pap test.